CREATIVE BUSINESSES
Please note that the inclusion of these links and sources does not constitute an endorsement by the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District. (updated 8/6/2020)
Recent Updates
- Energize Colorado Gap Fund – Applications coming soon! The Energize Colorado Gap Fund will provide more than $25M in small business loans and grants to boost small business enterprises that are the economic engines throughout the state. Sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with less than 25 full-time employees can apply for up to a $15,000 grant and a $20,000 loan for a possible combined total of $35,000 in financial assistance.
- Kiva Loans – Yes, 0% interest – no catch. They’re a non-profit aimed at expanding access to capital. Worldwide loans
- COVID-19 tests for yourself or your employees? UCHealth is ready! Find the testing closest to you
- Alternative Funding Sources (Not PPP, EIDL or Governmental sources) Created by Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (www.choosecolorado.com/covid19/)
- Larimer County Small Business Recovery Loan APPLY HERE! $5 million dollars available to help business recovery. Funded by the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bohemian Foundation. Applies to non profits as well (501c3 and 501c6)
- The Colorado COVID Relief Fund is offering support to small businesses whose work aligns with the Fund’s priorities of Prevention, Impact and Recovery. Funds are distributed within three days.
LOCAL RESOURCES
- FORT COLLINS BUSINESS HELP: City of Fort Collins
- LOCAL BUSINESS CONSULTING, SBA/FEDERAL LOANS and GRANTS: Larimer SBDC (Free one on one professional help)
- REGIONAL BUSINESS HELP: NOCO RECOVERS – A one stop shop for COVID-19 recovery resources for the business community in Northern Colorado.
- WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT- Furloughs, Layoffs, Social Distancing,…) at NoCoRecovers.com
- FUNDING: Larimer County Small Business Recovery Loan – APPLY HERE! $5 million dollars available to help business recovery. Funded by the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, and Bohemian Foundation.
- SALES TAX – City of Fort Collins Allows Qualified Businesses to Defer Sales Tax Payments till June 22, see link and call (970) 221-6780
- CREATIVE TOOLS AND TIPS – Watch video tutorials about e-commerce, online marketing, video production from home and much more
- FoCoFreelance.com – Register here as a Fort Collins Freelancer looking for jobs
- MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT for Larimer County: 970-221-5551. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., M-F No charge for COVID-19 support. If you’re in crisis, call the Colorado Crisis Line 1-844-493-8255.
SAFER AT HOME & REOPENING
- SAFER AT HOME: Latest County guidelines on reopening strategies here and Best Practices here
- Reopening Resources: Ideas from the field for Colorado Arts & Culture – from Colorado Creative Industries
- Expansion of Outdoor Retail and Dining: Fort Collins Businesses are able to apply to expand their retail and food businesses to outdoors. Any type of business can apply with this form, to help the City of Fort Collins & Health Department determine how you may be able to extend your business – APPLY HERE
- PPE for BUSINESSES: NoCo Safety Supply Marketplace – PPE supplies, sell or buy from NoCo sources
- ForFortCollins.com – for businesses and citizens with ways to promote shopping locally with marketing asset generator, connections and resources for being open
- Add your business to this online listing of Fort Collins businesses to expand the social-distancing-friendly purchasing options you offer to customers.
- Guidance for Businesses and Non-Profits from the City of Fort Collins including downloadable “Face Mask Required” signage
- Compliance requirements for all types of businesses NoCoRecovers.com
STATE RESOURCES
- COLORADO BUSINESS RESOURCE: Colorado Office of Economic Development and Economic Trade
- The Colorado COVID Relief Fund is offering support to small businesses whose work aligns with the Fund’s priorities of Prevention, Impact and Recovery. Funds are distributed within three days.
- Colorado Creative Industries and the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts have ways for your customers to support you and the arts.
- Help Colorado Now – State Of Colorado’s website offers emergency funding and a range of in-kind services as well as volunteer opportunities for individuals, businesses and non-profits.
- FUNDING: Alternative Colorado lenders: Accion and Colorado Lending Source
NATIONAL RESOURCES
- NIVA – (National Independent Venues Association) – guidance about venues reopening, advocacy and support for venue owners #SaveOurStages
- REVS – Reopen Every Venue Safely – provides guidance about music venues re-opening in safe & sustainable ways
- Small Business Administration Debt Relief
- Small Business Administration Express Bridge Loans (enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly)
- Facebook Small Business Boost Grants (Check back for application reopening)
- Ready.gov has a step by step guide on pandemic preparedness and much more.
- The City of Fort Collins has launched a page with wide-ranging Guidance for Businesses and Non-Profits.
- Alignable has launched a Coronavirus Resource + Recovery Center for Small Businesses.
- Get FREE help from the Larimer Small Business Development Center COVID-19 Small Business Response Resources with SBA loan, free business consulting and classes. A Chapter of Colorado Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Americans for the Arts has a list of national resources and updates and a page dedicated to the CARES Act.
- Freelancer’s Union Relief Fund
CARES Act
- CARES Act –6/30/2020 EIDL loans and PPP loans are now closed for new applications. Applications already submitted will still be processed in the order in which they have been received – Information: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Payroll Protection Program
- If you have any questions regarding the CARES Act reach out to the Larimer SBDC or see information at the Small Business Association
- CARES Act Loan Application Assistance Project – a no-cost lawyer match program for Colorado Nonprofit Association members providing a resource for much-needed support navigating the federal relief and response funding. (eligibility, what information you will need to complete your application, simplify requirements, clarify language, and offer other things to consider as you apply.) Learn more and get connected with a volunteer lawyer.
- The CARES Act explained for Freelancers and Artists (Video by Greeley Creative District)
- This GUIDE can help you navigate/understand the CARES Act.
- Small Business Administration 24/7 Help Line: 1-800-659-2955